“Men ought either to be indulged or utterly destroyed, for if you merely offend them they take vengeance, but if you injure them greatly they are unable to retaliate, so that the injury done to a man ought to be such that vengeance cannot be feared.”
- May 3, 1469 – June 21, 1527
- Born in the Republic of Florence (Italy)
- Political thinker and diplomat
- Wrote The Prince, built the foundations of modern political science, and advocated realist political thought
Quote
“Men ought either to be indulged or utterly destroyed, for if you merely offend them they take vengeance, but if you injure them greatly they are unable to retaliate, so that the injury done to a man ought to be such that vengeance cannot be feared.”
Explanation
In this quote, Niccolò Machiavelli presents a brutal perspective on dealing with enemies or subjects, suggesting that the most effective way to handle them is by either offering them complete favor (indulgence) or ensuring that they are utterly destroyed. The key idea is that if you only cause a minor offense, the offended party is likely to seek revenge, which could lead to future conflict or instability. However, if you inflict a great injury or destruction, the victim is so weakened that they are no longer capable of retaliating. Machiavelli’s suggestion here reflects his realpolitik view, where power and control are maintained through decisive action and the ability to eliminate or neutralize threats completely, rather than through half-measures or gestures that might lead to ongoing resentment and future revenge.
Machiavelli’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that in the political sphere, the ability to suppress opposition decisively is crucial to maintaining stability and authority. He advises rulers to avoid leaving any room for their enemies to regain power or seek retribution, as such opportunities could lead to the undermining of the ruler’s own position. The severity of the injury, if it is carried out effectively, should ensure that the enemy is incapacitated or eliminated to the point where no retaliation is possible. This aligns with Machiavelli’s broader view that the maintenance of power sometimes requires ruthless action and that weakness or indecision can lead to a loss of authority.
In modern contexts, this idea is often seen in the cutthroat dynamics of political and corporate power struggles. Leaders or companies that fail to decisively deal with competitors, either by completely eliminating the threat or by absorbing them into their sphere of influence, may risk ongoing challenges or sabotage. For instance, in the business world, companies that fail to outcompete or neutralize rivals risk facing aggressive tactics that could undermine their market position. Similarly, in international relations, states may seek to eliminate threats—such as through military force or diplomatic isolation—in order to prevent retaliation or undermining of their power. However, this Machiavellian approach can be highly dangerous and controversial, as it often leads to escalating conflict or a cycle of violence. Machiavelli’s view of power is one that places high value on decisiveness and control, though in practice, it also underscores the risks of excessive severity and the potential consequences of overreaching.
